02 April 2011

Camera Critters

They are some of my favorites and show plenty of sun - to remind me we might see summer again, eventually!

These were taken at The Wilds which is a conservation center with miles and miles of land and animals.

The land was strip mined at one time and owned by an energy company. That company renewed the land, replanted grasses, flowers and trees that would be sustainable in the area (even though some are not native to the area).

The animals are sorted in groups that get along with each other so they can interact within their zone. The zones are separated by fencing, both to protect the animals from each other and us humans.

There are many lakes and streams throughout the park land.

They offer tours and the money goes back into the conservation efforts. We went on 75 degree day and chose the open air bus. They have dirt roads running through some sections of the park, and sometimes the animals will walk right up to it. It was a hoot! These photos were taken with a longer lens and through a fence, I wasn't quite as close as it looks. There are also some platforms built within the park, again for us to view the animals in their natural setting without disturbing them.

We had a great time that day and I would certainly go back to see them again.